Podcasts about EOD

Send us Fan MailPeaches sits down with Kaylon, a former Air Force Security Forces military working dog handler, dog trainer, and father of a 17-year-old preparing for Air Force Special Warfare.This episode is for the parents.Kaylon talks about his time as a Security Forces K9 handler at RAF Mildenhall, his deployment experience, working explosive detection dogs, and eventually transitioning into professional dog training. But the real focus of this conversation is what it feels like as a parent when your kid says, “I want to join the military,” and then starts looking at Air Force Special Warfare.They talk about how Kaylon's son went from considering Navy SEALs to discovering Combat Control, how the family handled that decision, why his mom supports him even while being nervous, and what parents should do when they do not fully understand the path their kid wants to take.Kaylon also breaks down why he sent his son to Operator Training Summit, what the experience did for him, how the cadre helped expose holes in his training, and why the event gave his son more confidence that this is the path he wants.If your son or daughter is talking about CCT, PJ, TACP, Special Reconnaissance, or any other military path that makes you nervous, this episode is a great place to start.Check out Tasty Gains: TastyGains.comRegister for Operator Training Summit: OperatorTrainingSummit.comJoin the Ones Ready membership for early access, members-only episodes, and exclusive content.Chapters:00:00 - Intro, Tasty Gains, and Operator Training Summit02:25 - Why This Episode Is for Parents02:45 - Meet Kaylon03:08 - Peaches and Kaylon at RAF Mildenhall03:41 - Security Forces and Military Working Dogs05:10 - EOD, K9 Handlers, and Career Field Banter06:12 - Mildenhall, Old Friends, and Trusting the Ones Ready Crew07:51 - Kaylon's Military Family Background08:01 - Joining the Air Force After 9/1109:42 - Giving His Son the Chance to Try09:56 - His Son's Interest in Special Operations11:26 - From Navy SEALs to Air Force Special Warfare12:27 - School, Homeschool, and Graduating Early14:45 - Mom's Support and Military Spouse Reality18:28 - What Parents Should Know When They Are Nervous20:14 - Why Parents Should Use Ones Ready as a Resource22:32 - Prior Military Parents and Steering Your Kid24:35 - Training Around Special Tactics at Mildenhall25:24 - CCT or Bust and Not Building an Escape Hatch27:21 - Why Every Air Force Job Matters28:56 - The Reality of Security Forces Shifts31:50 - Life as a Dog Handler33:57 - The Ugly Side of Working Dogs34:48 - Helping His Son Build a Network36:52 - Physical Training and Keeping a 17-Year-Old Honest39:12 - Lessons From the TF Voodoo Rucking Episode41:20 - Trash Hips and Mobility Work41:57 - What It Was Like Arriving at Operator Training Summit44:53 - Parents Sending Young Candidates to OTS47:00 - OTS Is Instruction, Not a Smoke Session48:52 - Why “Just Show Up and Don't Quit” Is Bad Advice49:20 - Why Kaylon Chose OTS Over Other Prep Camps50:25 - The Value of Real Instructors50:53 - Taylor Starch, Running Form, and Mobility55:10 - Advice for Parents Whose Kids Want to Join57:50 - Letting Your Kid Become Their Own Person01:01:37 - Recruiters, Contracts, and Ship Dates01:02:26 - Sitting Down With the Special Warfare Recruiter01:03:40 - TSP, Blended Retirement, and Money Lessons01:05:49 - Picking Battles in the Air Force01:07:55 - Kaylon's Son at OTS01:08:32 - Why OTS Validated the Goal01:09:57 - Trent, Peaches, and Cadre Mentorship01:11:20 - Finding Holes in Training01:12:31 - Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page:  HERERegister for our Operator Training Summit:  OperatorTrainingSummit.comFind an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code:  ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code):  ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code:  ONESREADYDFND Apparel...

What happens after the mission ends? For retired U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician Jeff Truex, the most important mission of his life didn't begin on the battlefield—it began after he took off the uniform. In this inspiring episode of The Misfit Nation Podcast, Jeff shares his remarkable journey from serving 23 years in the United States Army, including 17 years as an EOD Bomb Disposal Technician, to becoming a passionate advocate for veteran mental health and suicide prevention. After losing a fellow EOD technician to suicide, Jeff helped launch After the Long Walk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring no veteran fights their battles alone. Through peer support, crisis intervention, education, and community outreach, the organization continues to save lives by reminding veterans that asking for help is one of the strongest things they can do. Throughout this conversation, Jeff opens up about military service, combat deployments, life after retirement, rediscovering purpose, motorcycles, brotherhood, outdoor cooking, and why authentic human connection is one of the most powerful forms of healing available. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military spouse, or simply someone looking for an inspiring story about resilience and leadership, this episode is packed with meaningful conversations that matter. In This Episode • Jeff's journey into Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) • Serving 23 years in the U.S. Army • Combat deployments and military life • Transitioning from military service to civilian life • The veteran mental health crisis • Preventing veteran suicide through connection • Why asking for help isn't weakness • Brotherhood beyond the battlefield • Finding purpose after military service • Motorcycles, cooking, and building community About Jeff Truex Jeff Truex is a retired United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician who served for more than 23 years, including 17 years performing one of the military's most dangerous jobs. Throughout multiple deployments, Jeff dedicated his career to protecting others by confronting explosive threats around the world. Today, Jeff serves as the President of After the Long Walk, a nonprofit organization committed to preventing veteran suicide through peer support, education, outreach, and community engagement. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure that every veteran knows they never have to fight alone. Learn more about Jeff's mission and the work of After the Long Walk: https://www.afterthelongwalk.com/ If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is always hope, and there are people who care. Follow The MisfitNation for more conversations with military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday people making an extraordinary impact. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailPeaches sits down with retired Sergeant Major Taamir Ransome, an Army EOD veteran and author of Mind of a Soldier, to talk about EOD, transition, veteran suicide, purpose after service, and what happens when the war is over but the fight is not.Taamir walks through growing up in New Jersey, joining the Army with a GED, starting out in radar repair, attempting SFAS, and eventually finding his way into Explosive Ordnance Disposal. He explains the differences between Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force EOD, what makes the career field so small, and why EOD school is one of the hardest technical schools in the military.The conversation also gets into deployments, working around Special Operations Forces, wild stories from Iraq, and the reality that the military creates people who are calibrated differently than the rest of society.Then the episode turns toward Taamir's book, Mind of a Soldier: 34 Laws for the War After the War. He talks about veteran suicide, transition, moral injury, finding purpose, nonprofits, service dogs, mentorship, and why veterans need to find a new pack and a new mission after leaving the uniform behind.This one is about more than war stories. It is about what comes next.Check out Mind of a Soldier: Available on AmazonFind Taamir: Mind of a Shadow Soldier on YouTubeCheck out Tasty Gains: TastyGains.comTrain with us: OperatorTrainingSummit.comChapters:00:00 - Intro, Tasty Gains, Ones Ready, and Operator Training Summit04:05 - Meet Retired SGM Taamir Ransome05:07 - Growing Up in New Jersey05:40 - Family Military History and Crazy Uncle Jerry07:39 - Joining the Army With a GED09:39 - The Cheat Code for Getting Mom On Board10:23 - GEDs, Recruiting, and the Military12:05 - From Radar Repair to EOD12:23 - SFAS, the 82nd, and Finding EOD13:27 - Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force EOD Differences16:32 - Why Navy EOD Supports SOF18:07 - Taamir's EOD Career19:23 - How Small the EOD Community Is21:01 - EOD School and Joint Service Training21:42 - Deployment Stories and EOD Reality24:26 - Iraq, Targeting, and Wild Stories27:19 - Mind of a Soldier28:00 - Why Veterans Are Killing Themselves29:16 - Being Calibrated Differently After War30:10 - Suicide, Policy, and Personal Responsibility31:37 - Purpose, Pack, and Fighting the Noise34:44 - Finding a New Mission35:25 - Moral Injury and Mentoring the Next Generation40:48 - STEM, AI, and Teaching Kids42:05 - Training Service Dogs for Veterans43:05 - Conventional Veterans and SOF Access44:28 - Veteran Nonprofits and Finding Help47:51 - VFW, DAV, and the Next Generation49:11 - Podcasts, Trust, and Reaching Veterans53:09 - Quiet Professional vs. Silent Professional54:34 - The Price of Service55:21 - Where to Find TaamirSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page:  HERERegister for our Operator Training Summit:  OperatorTrainingSummit.comFind an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code:  ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code):  ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code:  ONESREADYDFND Apparel...

A solid transition plan does not guarantee a clean landing. Guest Taamir Ransome left the Army with advanced education, real-world experience, and a strong résumé, but he still felt the loss of identity, purpose, and daily mission after taking off the uniform. This conversation follows Taamir from joining the Army after 9/11, serving in the 82nd Airborne, moving into EOD, supporting special operations, and becoming the first Black Tier 1 EOD operator. From there, the focus turns to the part of service that follows veterans home: the pressure, the silence, the missing pack, and the struggle to explain combat stress to people who only know the military through movies. Taamir also breaks down ideas from his book Mind of a Soldier, including why the uniform is not your identity, why veterans need people who will call them out when they are slipping, why "thank you for your service" can shut down a better conversation, and why filing for benefits or walking into a VFW can be part of fighting for yourself. This episode gives veterans a practical reminder that help exists, but you may have to approach it the same way you approached the mission: gather information, find the right people, and take the next step. Timestamps: 00:07:13 - Transition looked strong, but still hit hard 00:11:53 - The uniform is not your identity 00:15:51 - Why veterans must fight for themselves 00:19:51 - Why PTSD may not explain everything 00:22:36 - Why combat can be hard to leave Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://blog.sixeight.io Follow Taamir Ransome on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ransomemindofasoldier Follow Taamir Ransome on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taamir-ransome

Learn how to use AI to Buy Agencies:https://value.8figureagency.co/MNASystemized Sales (done-for-you sales teams): systemizedsales.comRevphlo.com (post-call sales attribution — works with GoHighLevel & HubSpot)Dylan on X: @sdrwhispererMost agencies are sitting on a goldmine and treating it like a junk drawer.That was the exact problem on the table. A giveaway funnel pulling 100+ emails a week. 300 to 500 comments a post on X. Newsletter readers. Ad clickers who never book. Five different lists, none of them talking to each other. A great setter could go to work on that data and print money — if anyone had organized it.So Jordan brought in Dylan Rich, founder of Systemized Sales. Dylan runs 10 sales teams at once, end to end — name, email, phone number all the way to contract signed and cash collected. In 15 years of sales and seven years working with agencies, this is the most sophisticated GoHighLevel pipeline either of them has seen. They build it live: UTM attribution per post, the "tattoo" rule for tags vs. custom fields, an action-based lead score that pings a setter the second a lead crosses 6 points, a speed-to-lead workflow with 73 million enrollments, and 57 smart lists ranked P1 through P5 so setters never waste a minute guessing who to call.Then Dylan opens up Revphlow — the post-call attribution tool that kills the EOD form forever and tells you your cash per call by traffic source, by closer, by calendar. If you run organic and paid traffic into a sales team, this is the playbook.What You'll LearnThe "tattoo" rule — when to use a tag (permanent) vs. a custom field (rewrites itself), and why getting this wrong wrecks your dataOne pipeline beats five — why segmented pipelines cap your granularity, and how custom fields + tags + stages stack to do the real workLead scoring that runs itself — assign points to actions (email open = 1, application = 3, call booked = 5), and auto-trigger a setter call at a score of 6Speed-to-lead you can actually measure — a workflow that timestamps every lead and counts only during setter working hours, so a Saturday opt-in doesn't blow up your numbers57 smart lists, ranked P1–P5 — how setters work the right leads in the right order and never run dry between fresh leadsAsk for the phone number — "if you won't give me your phone number, you won't give me your credit card," and why fewer, higher-quality leads winPost-call notes (PCN) — auto-dispositioned call notes pulled from the Zoom transcript that update pipeline stages for you, so closers stop skipping the EOD formCash per call by source — the metric that tells you which ads, threads, and posts to make more of (and which to kill)Chapters— Why scaling SDRs is the hardest (and most profitable) thing an agency can do — Who is Dylan Rich: 15 years in sales, done-for-you teams at Systemized Sales — The real problem: a giveaway funnel pulling 100+ emails a week, five siloed lists — How to organize intent leads so setters book more calls per hour — UTMs per post, the Zap into GoHighLevel, and tagging the first click— Live build: one pipeline + custom fields for granularity — Lead categories that follow a contact all the way down the funnel— Tags vs. custom fields: the "tattoo" concept explained — Lead scoring: assigning points to actions and triggering at 6 — The speed-to-lead workflow with 73 million enrollments— Keeping setters organized so they stop thinking and start dialing — 57 smart lists ranked P1–P5, built on filters, not vibes — Why you should ask for a phone number on every opt-in— "Can we blow your socks off?" — the Revphlow post-call attribution demo — PCN, Zoom + Fathom + Slack: clean dispositions on every call — Cash per call by source, by closer, by calendar — Where to find Revphlow and Systemized SalesGo AI-Native in the Next 90 DaysThis episode is the manual setup. The next level is making it run itself.8 Figure Agency installs AI-native systems into 7- and 8-figure marketing agencies — the kind that add $1M in annualized profit. Attribution that tags itself. Pipelines that update without a human touching them. Setters fed the highest-intent leads automatically. If you want your agency AI-native in the next 90 days, start here:→ 8figureagency.coWork With DylanDylan and the Systemized Sales team run your sales process end to end — they listen to your calls, audit your CRM, review your last 90 days of sales and marketing numbers, find your biggest constraint, and fix it.Systemized Sales (done-for-you sales teams): systemizedsales.comRevphlo.com (post-call sales attribution — works with GoHighLevel & HubSpot)Dylan on X: @sdrwhispererTools & Resources MentionedGoHighLevel — the CRM the whole pipeline is built inRevFlow / revphlo.com — post-call attribution and sales analyticsTypeform — opt-in forms (add a hidden UTM source field)Beehiiv — newsletter platform, with email opens webhooked back to GHL for lead scoringHYROS — marketing attribution into the callZoom + Fathom — call recording and transcripts feeding the PCNSlack — where post-call notes drop for closer confirmationVidalytics — VSL view trackingUTM Builder (utmbuilder.net) — Jordan's no-affiliation pick for building UTMs

For our third annual Memorial Day episode, Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Christina Kazakavage, joins us in the studio to tell us about her son, Air Force Technical Sergeant Adam Ginnet, who was killed in Afghanistan by an IED. We talk about her family's long history of service, why Adam chose the Air Force and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and the things that he valued most. We also discuss the arduous process of bringing Adam home, the blessings that have come from his passing, Christina's work with the EOD and Gold Star communities, and her passion for remembering and honoring all those who have served their country.God bless our Gold Star families.Theme song by The Mountain via Pixabay.Support the showhttps://tracerburnout.com/

On this episode, Larry discusses the recent primary elections and the implications of the results. He also talks to a special guest, Tom Sower, a Navy veteran and EOD expert, about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of Taiwan in the global economy. Additionally, Larry discusses the importance of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by our military personnel. Larry also shares a heartwarming story about a young man who was held hostage by Hamas and the power of music to heal and bring people together.Become a Townhall VIP member with promo code "LARRY": https://townhall.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some warriors fight battles long after the war ends. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Marine Corps Veteran Hartvig Holmberg V—a retired Master Sergeant whose 24-year career took him from Light Armored Reconnaissance to the elite world of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Hartvig joined the Marines in 1997 as a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Crewman, serving with the 15th and 13th Marine Expeditionary Units and deploying to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later, he answered another calling. He attended EOD School in Florida, graduating in 2009, and went on to serve with: • Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) • 3rd EOD Company • CLB 26 • MWSS 272 His deployments as an EOD technician included Afghanistan (OEF 13.2) and multiple deployments with the 26th MEU. After retiring in 2021 as a Master Sergeant, Hartvig didn't stop serving. Today he is: • A contract instructor • Part owner of Corvus Training Group V • President of the EOD Motorcycle Club But perhaps his most important mission has been personal. Hartvig openly shares his ongoing healing journey after multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—learning self-awareness, growth, and recovery through programs like Warrior PATHH and Track Heroes. This is a powerful conversation about combat, brotherhood, identity, trauma, healing, and continuing the mission after service.

In episode 245 of the Transition Drill Podcast explore military transition, leadership under pressure, and career reinvention for veterans and first responders navigating life after service. You'll hear Retired Master Sergeant Eric Harmon on the challenge of translating elite skills into the civilian world, and what it takes to build a new mission with real ownership and risk.Eric Harmon grew up in Southern California after spending part of his childhood in Hawaii, raised by a father who served as both a police officer and FBI agent. With no clear plan after high school, he entered the Marine Corps at 18, initially as a military police reservist before quickly committing to active duty. His early career placed him in Iraq, where he worked as part of a security element supporting EOD teams. That exposure shifted his trajectory. Watching those teams operate, he realized he wanted to be the one solving the problem, not just protecting the perimeter.After multiple deployments, Harmon made the transition into Explosive Ordnance Disposal. He approached EOD school with the mindset that it was his version of college, knowing that failure to learn could have real consequences downrange. Over the next 16 years, including time in MARSOC, he operated in high-risk environments where calm decision-making, pattern recognition, and adaptability were critical. He describes how those traits are built through repetition and experience, not personality.His transition out of the military forced a different kind of pressure. Moving into civilian life and eventually starting his own business, Harmon found that the stress shifted from mission execution to total accountability. Without the structure of the military, he became the single point of failure, responsible for every decision, outcome, and setback. That shift tested his leadership, forcing him to adapt how he communicates, manages people, and applies the skills he developed in uniform.Today, he the Game Day Men's Health clinic in Tustin, CA, carrying forward the lessons from EOD into entrepreneurship. Eric also survived a horrific motorcycle crash after getting out of the Marine Corps and starting his business. His story highlights a key reality for transitioning service members. The technical skills may not always transfer directly, but the ability to lead, operate under pressure, and solve problems does. The challenge is learning how to apply them in a completely different environment.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15Blue Line RoastingGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://bluelineroasting.comPromocode: Transition10Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10

What if the worst thing that ever happened to you turned out to be the very thing that made you unstoppable? In this episode, Aaron Hale, retired Army Staff Sergeant, EOD Team Leader, speaker, podcaster, real estate investor, and small business owner, shares one of the most extraordinary stories of resilience you will ever hear. In 2011, an IED blast in Afghanistan took his eyes. Four years later, bacterial meningitis took what was left of his hearing. He is now both blind and deaf, and he just ran 205 miles across Kenya and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, believed to be the first blind-deaf person to ever accomplish that feat. Aaron doesn't call himself a victim. He calls his injuries divine direction. And through his podcast, speaking, and the way he shows up every single day, he is busy proving that the story of your struggle can become the blueprint for someone else's survival.   [00:04:20] Just Back from Africa: The Seed to Summit Trek Ran 205 miles from Mombasa, Kenya to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro over nine days Climbed the tallest peak in Africa, completing a full seed to summit expedition Believes he is the first blind-deaf person to ever accomplish this Fulfilled a plan made 11 years earlier, interrupted by the meningitis that stole his hearing [00:06:20] What He Does Now Speaker, podcaster, real estate investor, and co-owner of Extra Ordinary Delights, an artisan chocolate company Calls himself an excuse killer; uses adversity as fuel, not an anchor Hosts the Point of Impact podcast to show people how to become their best selves [00:09:00] Blind, Deaf, and Still Showing Up Lost his eyes in an IED blast in 2011 while serving as an Army EOD technician Bacterial meningitis in 2015 took the rest of his hearing and destroyed his inner ear balance Uses a cochlear implant connected directly to his auditory nerve to communicate [00:12:20] How He Got Here: From Navy Chef to Army Bomb Technician Got asked to leave college, joined the Navy, and became a chef to a three-star admiral in Italy Left cooking, joined the Army, and became an EOD bomb technician Was on his third deployment when the IED blast happened, just days after seeing his firstborn son turn one [00:14:40] The Relationship That Changed Everything: Kyle Kyle, a fellow EOD team leader, was injured two weeks before Aaron and was already at Walter Reed when Aaron arrived He wheeled into Aaron's room, made him feel the beard he had grown out of defiance, and cracked jokes about his condition He was at full spirit just two weeks after losing a leg That moment showed Aaron he had no excuse to quit; warriors up and down those halls were all still fighting [00:19:20] What Inspires Him: The Gift of a Story In the military, relationships mean survival; you trust the people on your left and right with your life After his injury, he felt like he lost that brotherhood, but it transformed into something new He was given the gift of a story and the ability to flick the light switch on for others Getting to help someone see their situation differently is both altruistic and deeply personally rewarding [00:22:40] The Relationships That Opened the World: Eric Weihenmayer and Lonnie Bedwell Began searching online for blind people living actively: blind plus outdoors, blind plus fitness, blind plus anything Found Eric Weihenmayer, the first blind person to climb all seven summits; went climbing with him in the Peruvian Andes at 19,000 feet Found Lonnie Bedwell, the first blind person to kayak the entire Grand Canyon solo; went kayaking with him too These men took his thinking from a peephole to a bay window; he had been thinking far too small [00:26:00] What That Perspective Unlocked Registered for four marathons before ever running longer than a 10K Three of those qualified him for the Boston Marathon, which he ran in 2015 In 2023 became the first blind-deaf person to finish Badwater 135, the toughest foot race on Earth [00:29:40] The Impact He Got to Make: Kilimanjaro with 25 Friends When he arrived at Kilimanjaro, 25 friends, family, and associates had come to be part of the climb Many had never done anything like it; his story inspired them to say yes A close friend from his military real estate mastermind, someone he had spoken with weekly for years, climbed it right alongside him [00:31:00] Aaron's Marathon Training Day Reached out to Team Red, White and Blue for help training for his first marathon They organized a weekly Sunday run called Aaron's Marathon Training Day, open to anyone at any pace Week after week more people showed up; it outgrew him and became a full community movement He got to be the catalyst; it kept snowballing long after it needed him to carry it   KEY QUOTES "The difference between a rut and a grave is how long you lay there. I did not want to get stuck on the couch." — Aaron Hale "Someday the story of your struggle may be the blueprint for somebody else's survival." — Aaron Hale "We can't control the blast, but we can control the next step. And almost always, we can't accomplish the impossible without a team." — Aaron Hale CONNECT WITH AARON HALE

In this episode of the Career Relaunch® podcast, Luke Parker, a British Army Officer turned Google Cloud delivery executive shares his thoughts on how professional relationships can open doors and the importance of self-marketing during career transitions. I also share my reflections on the state of modern day friendships and glimpses into.my personal story of how people I’ve crossed paths with in life have had a huge influence on my career.

In episode 240 of the Transition Drill Podcast explores military transition, identity, and skill translation for veterans and first responders navigating life after high-tempo service. You'll hear Tod Neal on the loss of tribe, the challenge of making military experience understandable in the civilian world, and what it takes to build a meaningful second chapter without losing yourself in the process.Tod Neal's story starts far from the life he'd eventually build. He grew up in Ruston, Louisiana, spent part of his youth in a children's home, and learned early that structure mattered. After struggling in school, finding direction, and then losing his footing again in college, he joined the Navy in 1991 looking for discipline, purpose, and a better path. What followed wasn't a straight line. He spent his first years in the Navy doing admin work, but kept pushing toward the things that pulled at him most, including diving, shooting, and jobs that demanded more of him than his official title suggested.That drive eventually led him into Navy EOD. After leaving active duty and entering the reserves, 9/11 changed everything. He was called back, went deeper into EOD, and moved from the desk into the fight. He deployed with SEAL teams, served through repeated combat rotations, and built a career around risk, precision, and protecting lives. Along the way, he saw the cost of war up close, not just in combat, but at home. He talks about the toll of multiple deployments, the strain on marriages and families, and the way years of service can quietly take time from your children that you never get back.What makes this conversation hit is that it doesn't stop at the war years. Tod gets into the harder part for a lot of veterans and first responders, figuring out who you are when the uniform comes off. He talks about The Honor Foundation, USC, learning that money and title weren't the real non-negotiables, and realizing that the people you work with matter more than the paycheck. He also gets brutally honest about transition itself. You can have technical skill, leadership, problem solving, and years of experience, but if you can't translate it, civilian employers won't see it. If you can't manage your ego, you'll make the process even harder. And if you don't build a new tribe on purpose, you can end up isolated fast.This is a grounded conversation about service, humility, transition, and learning how to carry your experience forward without expecting the next chapter to look like the last one.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15Blue Line RoastingGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://bluelineroasting.comPromocode: Transition10Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10

Send us Fan MailPeaches goes solo and unleashes pure unfiltered Ones Ready energy. From Air Force football to government shutdowns, from bogus “Qatari base” conspiracies to the Air Force's mental health meltdown — no topic is safe. He rips into how the military's obsession with “self-care” is starting to sound like a therapy group for quitters, why shark attacks and blood wings need to come back, and how infrastructure and leadership have both gone to hell. If you're tired of the soft, sanitized version of service life everyone's selling… this episode's your reality check. Buckle up, snowflakes.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Peaches flies solo: Trent's on vacation, Aaron's on dad duty 02:30 – Air Force vs. UNLV: No defense, all chaos 03:45 – The fake “Qatari Air Base” freakout: calm down, patriots 09:50 – True North mental health program—budget cuts or common sense? 14:45 – Have we gone too far with mental health? Peaches says hell yes 19:50 – Quitting and calling it “self-care” isn't courage 23:40 – The therapy-industrial complex and buzzword bingo 26:00 – POTFF: the one mental health program that actually works 28:00 – Why benching 225 makes you a god among mortals 30:00 – Government shutdown: troops still getting paid (for now) 33:00 – Military infrastructure is falling apart—literally 35:00 – Shark attacks are back, and Peaches loves it 39:00 – Fewer PCS moves: smart retention or lazy policy? 46:30 – Time to close useless bases and stop pretending it's about “the economy” 48:30 – Cold coffee, EOD chaos, and Peaches signs off

//The Wire//2300Z March 17, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: ATTACKS CONTINUE IN BAGHDAD AS FPV DRONES BEGIN MORE FREQUENT USE IN IRAQ. IED DISCOVERED AT MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE IN FLORIDA. COUNTERTERRORISM CENTER DIRECTOR RESIGNS IN PROTEST OF WAR.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----  -International Events-Persian Gulf: Over the past few days, conflict within Baghdad has become more significant, as Iranian-backed militia groups concentrate attacks on the Green Zone. Last night the Al-Rashid Hotel was hit by an Iranian drone, and another FPV drone incident was reported as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) continue conducting reconnaissance of the American Embassy compound, which usually results in drone attacks later on that night. These attacks have continued to be a daily occurrence, with sensitive sites at the Embassy compound being struck over the past few days.-HomeFront-Florida: Yesterday one of the Entry Control Points (ECPs) at MacDill Air Force Base was shut down due to a suspicious package being discovered at the Visitor's Center. After some time, EOD personnel cleared the device, and operations returned to normal.Analyst Comment: Officially, no comment has been made on this incident beyond the brief lockdown. As suspicious package incidents are extremely common nowadays, usually nothing comes of it. However in this case, a photo of the suspicious package circulated on social media, which indicates that this was a legitimate IED and not just a lost bag. Whether or not it was actually a viable device is anyone's guess, but the photo of the alleged device indicates that the fuze was lit, only sputtering out on it's own. So clearly somebody tried to blow something up, regardless of the failure to detonate. As a result, this is another important reminder of the threats that remain constant throughout American society, as the war in the Middle East inflames tensions at home.Washington D.C. - This morning the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, resigned from his position in protest of the continuing war in Iran, stating that he "cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: While all resignations in protest will sharply divide sentiment for and against, many arguments are being undertaken as people speak without thinking first. The fiery resignation letter is now functionally a Rorschach Test...people who make policy decisions will see what they want to see in it, and divide themselves accordingly. Disparaging comments attacking one's character that come out only after a public opinion is expressed are not the best indicator for what is really going on behind the scenes, but nevertheless that's exactly what ends up happening among those who are making decisions regarding the war. What is undeniable is that such a high-profile resignation right now is extremely important, and might be an indicator of future events.Regardless of the politics in play, (and taking personal feelings out of the situation entirely), when one of the main players in the US Intelligence Community resigns right now, at this present time, this is probably an indicator of far more serious developments coming down the pipeline. Senior resignations of this nature in any nation are quite rare, and hard-hitting resignation letters are rarer still. Nobody resigns because they think the war will be over anytime soon, and Kent (being the second-highest-ranking individual in the Intelligence Community) would have had the access to know information pertaining to future events that have not been made public. Due to this context, this could be an early indicator of what decisions have quietly been made behind closed doors, which have not yet come

Ever find yourself wiped out but your brain just won't quit? You're not alone. Most women juggle work, training, family, and life — and it feels like the day never really ends. That's why Johan is breaking down the exact end-of-day ritual he uses (and teaches clients) to help you actually switch off, sleep better, and show up for what matters.In this episode, Johan gets real about why you're exhausted but still wired at night, why most coaching isn't just about food and workouts, and how a simple daily ritual can help you leave work at work.Here's what you'll learn:Why your nervous system needs a clear “day is done” signalThe step-by-step EOD ritual: box breathing, tomorrow's calendar, top 3 tasks, quick journalingHow reflecting on wins and effort helps you reset for tomorrowWhy your ritual doesn't have to look like Johan's — and how to make it your ownThe one action step you can start today to finally shut off your brain at nightWant to learn more about coaching 1:1 and learn how the OCS Process can help you too, finally reach your long-term goals? DM "COACH" to @johanvesters_ocs on Instagram now for a free Strategy Call! --- Brought to you by Odyssey Coaching Systems @johanvesters_ocs on Instagram www.odysseycoachingsystems.co johan@odysseycoachingsystems.co

Send a textThis Daily Drop hits heroism, policy shifts, and geopolitical tension in one tight package.President Trump presented the Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover for extraordinary heroism during the Maduro raid. The 160th SOAR pilot was wounded under fire and still completed the mission. It's the kind of quiet professionalism the Night Stalkers are known for—even if he'd rather not be in the spotlight.The Army is experimenting with auction-style retention bonuses for senior warrant officers. The Navy's EOD teams are training in extreme Arctic conditions. The Coast Guard is intercepting migrant vessels while dealing with funding uncertainty.The VA has indefinitely paused the controversial disability ratings rule that would have factored medication effects into compensation decisions. That story isn't over.Meanwhile, Japan is bolstering air defenses near Taiwan, and satellite imagery shows a new Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine entering the fleet.Operational tempo isn't slowing down.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 Medal of Honor for Maduro raid pilot 05:00 Warrant officer “auction-style” retention bonuses 07:00 Fort Bliss sentencing 09:00 Navy EOD Arctic training 11:00 Air Force line-of-duty policy update 13:00 Coast Guard migrant interceptions 15:00 VA disability rule on hold 17:00 Pentagon anomalous health team realignment 19:00 State of the Union honors 21:00 Iran tensions and military buildup 23:00 Japan air defense near Taiwan 25:00 China's new nuclear submarine

Send a textJoin us for the 3nd interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health. In this conversation, Ron Minton, a member of the United States Navy and EOD tech, shares his experiences and insights on resilience, community, and mental health challenges faced by service members. He discusses the importance of support systems, coping strategies, and the impact of loss and suicide within the military community. Ron emphasizes the need for self-care and encourages others to seek help while redefining the concept of success and failure in their lives.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textJoin us for the 4th interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health. In this conversation Chris shares his unique experiences in the military, including his time at the White House and his emotional journey dealing with the challenges of his profession. He discusses the importance of mental health, coping mechanisms like acting and writing, and offers advice to fellow EOD technicians who may be struggling. Chris emphasizes the need for continuous learning and self-improvement in both military and personal life.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textJoin us for the 5th interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health.In this conversation, Steven Wilkes shares his experiences as an EOD technician in the Army, discussing the challenges and triumphs of his military career. He opens up about his struggles with mental health, the impact of suicide within the EOD community, and his journey towards recovery. Steven emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues and breaking the stigma surrounding therapy in the military.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textJoin us for the 8th interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health.In this conversation, John Clem shares his journey as an EOD technician, highlighting his military career, personal struggles with alcohol and mental health, and the importance of community support. He emphasizes the significance of therapy and reaching out for help, especially in the wake of suicide and mental health challenges faced by veterans. John encourages others to share their experiences and seek support, reinforcing that everyone's journey is valid and deserving of attention.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textJoin us for the final interview in a powerful nine-part interview series featuring former EOD Technicians who have stepped forward to share their stories. Each conversation highlights their personal struggles, the adversity they've faced, and the resilience that carried them through—offered in the hope of inspiring fellow Techs to prioritize their mental health.In this conversation, Jerry Shelton, a retired Air Force EOD technician, reflects on his 30-year career, discussing the evolution of his service from the Cold War to modern conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of camaraderie in the EOD community and shares his personal experiences with mental health, trauma, and coping strategies. Shelton advocates for community support and open communication among veterans, highlighting the significance of connection in overcoming struggles. He also discusses the benefits of transcendental meditation and encourages others to reach out for help, promoting a message of resilience and optimism in the face of challenges.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textIn this episode Maria interviews Brittany Younker, the newest member of the EOD Warrior Foundation team. Brittany shares her journey from a small town in New Mexico to serving in the Army National Guard and transitioning to active duty. She discusses her motivations for joining the military, her experiences as a military police officer, and her eventual role as a logistics officer. Brittany also shares her personal story of meeting her husband, an EOD technician, and her excitement about joining the EOD community. The conversation highlights her family life, including her four boys and a new baby on the way, as well as her role at the EOD Warrior Foundation, where she will be working to support fellow veterans.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Send a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and moves fast through a heavy slate. The Army looks to lease installation land for commercial AI data centers, trains leaders on drones and robots at Fort Benning, and deals with a soldier receiving life for murder. There's speculation swirling around restricted airspace in El Paso, a $5.2M “Bumblebee” drone-bashing system, and Hawaii storm shutdowns. The Navy pushes unmanned swarms and AI-enabled fleet concepts while recognizing top surface warfare officers. The Marines quietly notch their third clean financial audit and debate staying on Okinawa. The Air Force expands border supervision, moves F-35As toward CENTCOM, and hosts a Special Air Warfare Symposium. SECDEF warns EOD techs about uploading sensitive data to generative AI. POTUS approves 200 troops to Nigeria. Meanwhile, China fields long-range anti-ship missiles, Algeria receives Su-57s, South Korea loses Cobra pilots, and seized cartel ammo traces back to a U.S. Army plant. Context. Not conspiracy.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and Daily Drop kickoff 01:00 Army leasing land for AI data centers 03:00 Soldier sentenced for murder 04:45 Drone training at Fort Benning 05:30 El Paso restricted airspace speculation 06:50 Bumblebee drone-bashing system 07:20 Hawaii storm cancellations 08:00 Navy surface warfare awards 08:40 AI vision for Golden Fleet 09:30 Unmanned swarms management 10:30 Marine Corps clean audit 11:30 Okinawa presence debate 12:30 OTS Alabama plug 13:20 Air Force border supervision expansion 14:00 F-35A movement toward CENTCOM 14:40 Special Air Warfare Symposium 15:20 SECDEF AI data warning 16:10 200 troops approved to Nigeria 17:00 Chinese carrier-based anti-ship missile 18:00 Russian Su-57s delivered to Algeria 18:40 South Korean Cobra crash 19:20 Cartel ammo traced to Missouri plant 20:00 Wrap-up

EOD Gear IMPROVISED – Custom Off The Shelf, What We're Building, and What's Coming in 2026In this episode of EOD Gear IMPROVISED, we break down what Custom Off The Shelf™ really means—and why it continues to outperform one-size-fits-all gear in the real world.We get into what we're actively manufacturing at EOD Gear, why owning the process matters, and how speed, quality, and control are becoming non-negotiable in today's environment. This isn't about chasing trends or catalogs—it's about building tools that solve real problems for EOD, Bomb Squad, Special Operations, and law enforcement professionals.We also lay out our early plans for 2026, starting with SHOT Show, and how we're thinking about product development, evaluation, and partnerships heading into the next year.If you're responsible for selecting, testing, or deploying gear—or you care about how equipment is actually built and evaluated—this episode is for you.Learn more at: EOD-Gear.com Questions or procurement support: Reach out before you buy.Follow us on your favorite social media platforms @eodgear

What could be more terrifying than facing enemies on the battlefield or disarming a bomb? For military men, leaving the service can be more unnerving than combat because it means losing their identity and purpose. How can veterans overcome the fear of the unknown and build new paths to success after service?In this powerful episode, Jonathan Bates joins Russ and Joey to share his experience transitioning from the military and the challenges that came with leaving behind a structured environment. After 26 years of service and leaving the only life he knew, Jonathan discovered the importance of mentorship, business ownership, and defining his family's vision. Jonathan discusses how his nonprofit, Patriot Growth Capital, is addressing the three major problems veterans face post-service. Through this organization, Jonathan empowers veterans and their families to step into business ownership, offering mentorship, financial backing, and a comprehensive training program. His approach bridges the gap between military service and civilian success, creating a pathway for veterans to grow and thrive.Top three things you will learn: -Understanding the mental challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life-Building new skills and redefining your identity outside of the military-How to thrive in the civilian worldAbout Our Guest:Jonathan Bates, Lt. EOD, USN (Ret.), is a principal at Patriot Growth Capital. This company focuses on supporting veterans' families by helping individuals become the best version of themselves while teaching them to own and operate businesses.Jonathan transitioned from a 26-year naval career as an explosive ordnance disposal technician to consulting to empower today's youth and leaders. With over 16 years of experience in business coaching, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions, he has fostered organizational cultures rooted in the philosophy, “We think about you, so you can think about others.”Looking ahead, Jonathan has ambitions to complete 50 acquisitions annually and generate $1 billion in revenue to support American veteran families.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not constitute financial advice. Always consult a licensed professional for financial decisions.This episode is sponsored by a podcast show partner. We may receive compensation if you use links or services mentioned in this episode.The hosts may have a financial interest in the programs or services mentioned in this episode.Connect with Jonathan Bates:-Website - https://atlvets.org/ and https://patriotgrowthcapital.com/

Ayahuasca showed this combat veteran truths about trauma, love, and ego he never knew existed.In this episode, Combat Veteran Nahum Vizakis shares the raw, shocking and transformative story of how plant medicine and deep inner work led him through PTSD, ego death, shadow healing, and a complete spiritual awakening. After years as a military EOD technician facing life-and-death situations, Nahum returned home carrying invisible wounds that traditional approaches couldn't touch. ⭐ CONNECT WITH NAHUM VIZAKISWebsite: spiritualbodybuilder.comCoaching & Services: optimizinghum.comInstagram: @spiritual_bodybuilderYouTube: Spiritual Bodybuilder

She grew up with no roadmap, no support, and no clear path forward. One pull-up changed everything, leading her into the Army and a career in explosive ordnance disposal. Twelve years later, Kaitlyn Hernandez built a life defined by discipline, resilience, and service. She shares how daily discomfort, purpose, and small hard choices shaped her mindset, helping her run a bomb-suit mile, set a world record, and tackle some of the military's toughest challenges.   3 Key Learnings: Small daily challenges build discipline, mental toughness, and high-stakes performance Leaning into discomfort strengthens resilience, focus, and decision-making Purpose, service, and consistent action create long-term endurance and growth   3 Tools / Frameworks: Controlled discomfort protocols: rucking, cold exposure, physical stress CNS reset through structured challenges Mindset reframing: "I get to, not I have to" and "Fix your face" to shift state   Timestamps: 00:51 – Growing up without structure and finding purpose in service 02:27 – Joining the military and discovering direction 04:08 – How she chose the bomb squad and what EOD means 07:48 – What EOD teams do during stateside and presidential missions 09:14 – How bomb suit training works and what "bomb suit dumb" means 10:28 – Breaking the world record and the strategy behind it 12:59 – Running a bomb-suit mile on all seven continents 13:39 – Preparing for the Antarctica mission and raising awareness 18:50 – Her step-by-step advice for building resilience through daily discomfort   Start with one hard thing, lean into discomfort, and build discipline through daily action.  

Ever watch a pursuit video and wonder why an officer “threw” stop sticks instead of pulling them in from cover? We break down the safer method, the training behind it, and a harrowing story of an officer who nearly lost his leg deploying spikes the wrong way. That opens a bigger conversation about tactics, judgment, and when “off duty” ends—the moment you flip the lights and assert authority, you're responsible as if you're on the clock.From there, we shift into accountability that actually improves outcomes. A magnet fishing crew finds live ordnance and gets scolded for “wasting resources.” We call that what it is—lazy policing—and lay out the correct EOD response. Then we dissect a controversial stop where a warning is issued, yanked back, and swapped for a ticket after tempers flare. We unpack why that likely fails legally and ethically, how Pennsylvania v. Mims is often misapplied, and why officers must articulate true safety concerns rather than let ego drive enforcement.We also challenge a popular myth: more patrol cars don't automatically reduce crime. Focused two-officer units, problem-oriented strategies, and credible community investment outperform random patrols. Mentoring youth and reentry programs lower recidivism more than hot-spot cruising ever will. And if we're serious about reform, accountability can't stop with cops—judges and prosecutors wield enormous discretion with far less scrutiny. Real change balances all three legs of the justice system.Auditors take the spotlight too. The best elevate training and public understanding; the worst provoke for clicks. We outline how departments can avoid the bait, verify a complaining party, and protect First Amendment activity with a simple, respectful acknowledgment. To close, we highlight a life-saving response: an officer recognizes a medical emergency behind the wheel and acts fast, proving that care and competence still define this profession at its best.If this conversation sharpened your perspective, tap follow, share with a friend who'ssend us a message! twocopsonedonut@yahoo.comPeregrine.io: Turn your worst detectives into Sherlock Holmes, head to Peregrine.io tell them Two Cops One Donut sent you or direct message me and I'll get you directly connected and skip the salesmen.Support the showPlease see our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoCopsOneDonut Join our Discord!! https://discord.gg/BdjeTEAc *Send us a message! twocopsonedonut@yahoo.com

The word brotherhood gets tossed around a lot. In locker rooms. In firehouses. In club houses. In boardrooms. But much of the time, it's just talk.Samson DeSessa lives the word. A career firefighter, EOD technician, combat veteran, keynote speaker, and now author of the bold new book Brotherhood is a VERB, Sam calls out what happens when “know your people” comes off as a slogan instead of a standard. He's here to remind us that brotherhood—real brotherhood—isn't about matching shirts or shared hashtags. It's about sweat, trust, and climbing into the arena yourself.So if you're tired of leadership lip service, buckle up. Because in this episode we're cutting through the smoke to talk about what happens when leaders turn nouns into action—and why Brotherhood is a VERB.

Join Stephen and Jake on The ToosDay Crue as they welcome US Army Retired 1SG Will Eller, an EOD veteran, firearms and situational awareness instructor, and community enabler. Will shares his journey from the Gulf War to deployments in Bosnia and Serbia, and the lessons learned through service, family, and life after the military.

Aaron Hale's story is about what comes next after tragedy strikes. After serving as a Navy cook, he switched to the Army to become an explosive ordnance disposal tech, leading teams through dangerous missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. A blast left him blind, and years later, meningitis took his hearing. Instead of giving up, Aaron focused on how to move forward. He learned new ways to live, connected with other veterans who had faced similar losses, and found purpose in helping others do the same. This episode is a conversation about persistence, service, and learning to build a new life one step at a time. Timestamps: 00:08:11 - From Navy kitchens to Afghanistan's front lines 00:17:49 - The meaning of "initial success or total failure" 00:27:42 - The explosion that changed everything 00:33:30 - Finding mentors and new purpose 00:45:12 - Turning his story into strength for others Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.pointofimpactpod.com/ Follow Aaron Hale on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclayhale Follow Aaron Hale on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ Follow Aaron Hale on Twitter/X: https://x.com/aclayhale Follow Aaron Hale on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hale-1861477/ Eod fudge: https://eodfudge.com/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Send us a textEveryone loves to say they want a “badass” job—until they realize Air Force EOD actually plays with live explosives. Peaches sits down with three bomb techs who spill the truth about blowing stuff up for a living. From top-secret clearances to the sadistic “Grooster” workout, these dudes talk smoke sessions, failure, and why being called “Eagle” isn't a compliment. No Hollywood hero shots here—just sweat, stress, and zero room for mistakes. If you think you're built different, listen up. This episode will check your ego harder than an instructor at NAV School.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – “You're Going Down on Bombs, Boys”03:00 – Why EOD Isn't Just Another SWOE Backup Plan07:15 – The Guard Life vs Active Duty Reality12:45 – Passing the “Psychopath” Test17:00 – The Grooster: EOD's Dumbest (and Best) Workout26:00 – How EOD School Breaks You Without Yelling41:00 – Double Taps, Unicorns, and Ego Checks52:00 – Secret Clearances and Pentagon Power Trips57:30 – 3D Printing Explosives and Idle Hands1:09:00 – Real EOD Life: From Bombs to Breakfast1:16:00 – Advice from the Trenches: Don't Be “That Guy”

Send us a textEveryone loves to say they want a “badass” job—until they realize Air Force EOD actually plays with live explosives. Peaches sits down with three bomb techs who spill the truth about blowing stuff up for a living. From top-secret clearances to the sadistic “Grooster” workout, these dudes talk smoke sessions, failure, and why being called “Eagle” isn't a compliment. No Hollywood hero shots here—just sweat, stress, and zero room for mistakes. If you think you're built different, listen up. This episode will check your ego harder than an instructor at NAV School.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – “You're Going Down on Bombs, Boys” 03:00 – Why EOD Isn't Just Another SWOE Backup Plan 07:15 – The Guard Life vs Active Duty Reality 12:45 – Passing the “Psychopath” Test 17:00 – The Grooster: EOD's Dumbest (and Best) Workout 26:00 – How EOD School Breaks You Without Yelling 41:00 – Double Taps, Unicorns, and Ego Checks 52:00 – Secret Clearances and Pentagon Power Trips 57:30 – 3D Printing Explosives and Idle Hands 1:09:00 – Real EOD Life: From Bombs to Breakfast 1:16:00 – Advice from the Trenches: Don't Be “That Guy”

Send us a textPeaches is flying solo and absolutely torching weak leadership in this unfiltered rant from the Ones Ready team room. The story? A Monster Mash at Little Rock AFB was shut down at the last second—after 50 candidates paid their own way—because someone got scared of “bad optics” during a government shutdown. Spoiler: nobody died, but the leadership's spine sure did.Peaches tears into risk-averse commanders, lazy optics-warriors, and anyone who hides behind policy instead of taking ownership. Then he spotlights one real-deal hero: Col. Echard, the 19th Airlift Wing Commander who told everyone to “keep pressing” and owned the risk like a leader should.If you've ever wondered why morale tanks or why recruiting struggles, this episode spells it out in flaming detail. Get ready for rants, real talk, and a reminder that courage doesn't come from PowerPoint slides.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Peaches in the team room, solo and slightly unhinged 02:30 – The Monster Mash disaster: how 50 candidates got burned 05:10 – Government shutdown excuses and the weak “optics” cop-out 07:30 – Risk aversion: the silent killer of military progress 10:45 – Enter Col. Eckerd: one leader who actually leads 13:00 – “Own the risk, keep pressing” – how real commanders operate 15:00 – Peaches unloads on leadership that folds under pressure 18:00 – Lessons from chaos: empathy, ownership, and doing better 20:00 – Shoutouts to the EOD team and recruiters who kept grinding 22:30 – The Ones Ready mission: real training, real risk, real results 24:00 – PMA, TastyGains, and Peaches roasting himself before bed

For H-Hour perks, join the H-Hour Discord guild: https://discord.com/invite/KCb54MQNxd and follow H-Hour Hugh on X: https://x.com/HughKeir Adnan Sarwar and I delve into the heart of modern Britain, exploring the causes and impacts of social unrest, the nuances of immigration, and the evolving concept of British identity. Adnan shares his firsthand experiences from recent protests around the country, offers a historical perspective on multiculturalism, and discusses his military background. The discussion also covers contemporary issues such as Digital IDs and the balance of morality within the military. This episode is a thought-provoking journey into the current state of Britain and the historical forces that have shaped it. https://www.adnansarwar.com https://substack.com/@adnansarwar https://www.instagram.com/adnansarwarphotos Adnan Sarwar served with the Royal Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD) and during his service completed multiple tours including the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Upon leaving the military, Adnan has forged a successful career as a documentary maker for Channel 4, ITV and the BBC, a writer. He previously edited at The Economist.

For H-Hour perks, join the H-Hour Discord guild: https://discord.com/invite/KCb54MQNxd and follow H-Hour Hugh on X: https://x.com/HughKeir In this insightful icebreaker for H-Hour, former soldier Adnan Sarwar answers challenging questions from Platinum subscribers, reflecting on grief, identity, and military culture. This gripping session includes raw discussions about the Iraq War, the significance of storytelling, and the power of photography. Adnan also opens up about his book, 'British Muslim Soldier,' and its exploration of belonging and values. Enjoy this compelling 20-minute podcast that sets the stage for a profound conversation in the full podcast episode, #272. https://www.adnansarwar.com/ https://substack.com/@adnansarwar https://www.instagram.com/adnansarwarphotos/ Adnan Sarwar served with the Royal Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD) and during his service completed multiple tours including the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Upon leaving the military, Adnan has forged a successful career as a documentary maker for Channel 4, ITV and the BBC, a writer. He previously edited at The Economist.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text MessageThe story we were handed about January 6 sounded complete—until the paperwork started talking. We unpack a newly surfaced FBI after-action report, why it arrived on Capitol Hill years late, and what rank-and-file agents say about a lopsided response compared with the 2020 summer riots. Along the way, we examine the operational oddities—274 plain-clothes agents deployed with firearms for “crowd control” after violence began—and ask the basic questions any competent oversight body should: who gave the orders, what doctrine guided them, and where is the full timeline that ties intelligence, deployments, and decisions together.We walk through how the “insurrection” label took hold in real time, amplified by politicians and corporate leaders before investigations matured. Early reporting from Julie Kelly challenged that immediate framing, emphasizing evidence gaps and procedural inconsistencies. Whether you agree with her or not, the sequence matters: labels shape prosecutions, media coverage, and public memory. If the official narrative is sound, it will withstand scrutiny. If it isn't, the record must be corrected with the same volume used to set it.We also press into the unresolved pieces: disputed details around alleged pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC, the mechanics of Guard requests and refusals, and why parts of the FBI's internal critique never appeared in Inspector General summaries. Transparency is the path forward—release synchronized timelines, redacted EOD reports, deployment orders, and communications logs. Accountability is not about scoring points; it's about improving doctrine so future mass gatherings are policed with clarity, restraint, and public trust.Key Points from the Episode:• internal FBI after-action report surfacing years later• agents' claims of unequal responses in 2020 and Jan 6• 274 plain-clothes FBI agents and crowd control questions• the rapid spread of the “insurrection” framing• Julie Kelly's early reporting and evidentiary gaps• outstanding questions on Guard requests and leadership decisions• pipe bomb timeline, forensics, and public perception• accountability, transparency, and reforms for future incidentsBe sure to check out our show page at teammojoacademy.com, where we have everything we discussed in this podcast as well as other great resourcesOther resources: Just the news article Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly!

//The Wire//2300Z September 17, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: MEDEVAC HELICOPTER SHOT IN ALABAMA. VANDALISM CONTINUES AT MEMORIALS AROUND USA. VEHICLE RAMMING ATTACK REPORTED AT FBI OFFICE IN PITTSBURGH.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------HomeFront-USA: Around the nation, various vandalism incidents continue at Charlie Kirk memorials. In North Carolina, a memorial was defaced at the UNC Wilmington campus, with the university making statements that passively endorsed the behavior and that no action will be taken. In Florida, the memorials painted at the "Graffiti Bridge" in Pensacola have also been heavily defaced over the past 24 hours, and another memorial was defaced in Arkansas as well.Pennsylvania: This afternoon multiple casualties were reported after police responded to a domestic disturbance call. 5x officers were wounded after a skirmish broke out at a rural property south of Spring Grove, with 3x officers remaining in critical condition as a result of the engagement. The suspect was recovered deceased at the scene.Overnight a vehicle ramming attack was reported at the FBI Field Office in Pittsburgh. Donald Henson was arrested after crashing his vehicle into the gates of the facility before fleeing the scene on foot. After a brief manhunt, the suspect was apprehended this morning.Analyst Comment: Though this was a targeted attack, this could be more of a case of mental illness rather than a more coherent attack. The suspect had painted statements on his vehicle, and had previously been reported for erratic behavior by family members.Arizona: A suspicious package was discovered outside the headquarters of Turning Point USA, which triggered a police response. EOD personnel were dispatched to examine the bag, which was determined to be a false-alarm.Alabama: This morning, one medevac helicopter was struck with effective Surface-to-Air Fire (SAFIRE) in the vicinity of County Road 51 in Autauga County. Local authorities arrested Peter Ellison for shooting a Life Flight helicopter in the process of responding to a medical emergency. Several rounds impacted the helicopter and one flight nurse was wounded during the attack.Washington D.C. - This morning FCC Chairman Brendan Carr made statements indicating an investigation into the ABC corporation's licensing stipulations, after comments were made during Jimmy Kimmel's show last night that falsely state that Tyler Robinson was a political conservative, and conducted the murder of Charlie Kirk as a result of conservative ideology.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: One of the follow-on effects of the Kirk assassination is the closer examination of platforms which have allowed open calls for violence over the years, with no repercussions. This is why the CEOs of Twitch, Discord, Reddit, and Steam have been requested to testify before Congress next month regarding the overwhelmingly one-sided policing of content on their platforms.Several influencers and content streamers have openly called for violence against political conservatives for many years now, breaking many of these own companies Terms and Conditions for content production. Nevertheless, the violent rhetoric has been allowed for so long, that it's shifted out of the realm of a free-speech issue, and into the territory of quite literal attack planning efforts. The White House (mostly AG Pam Bondi and President Trump himself) is doing an exceptionally poor job at describing this investigative effort, framing the issue without the nuance required to clearly state what is happening. However, as the violence from the political left has not decreased, but rather increased after Kirk's murder, this is a detail very important for risk assessment at a time where the threats are becoming increasingly more serious.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground//END REPORT

Johnny “Joey” Jones is a FOX News Media contributor, Marine Corps veteran, and New York Times bestselling author. After serving as an EOD technician and sustaining life-changing injuries in Afghanistan, Joey has become a powerful advocate for veterans and first responders, sharing his perspective through his books, media work, and motivational speaking. Follow Johnny "Joey" Jones: https://www.instagram.com/johhny_joey/ Follow Outsider: https://www.instagram.com/outsiderig/ Shop Outsider: https://www.outsider.com/   Follow Jay: https://www.instagram.com/ifjayhadinstagram/ Follow Sam: https://www.instagram.com/sammackey615/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreOutsider/podcasts Episode sponsored by: Montana Dog Food Company: https://montanadogfoodco.com/ Alpen Optics: https://alpenoptics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When he originally enlisted in the Army, now-CPT Michael Villahermosa not only didn't even consider becoming an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Soldier—he didn't even know what it was. But he quickly realized he had the right skills to succeed at it, and has become a leading EOD commander, instructor, and now social media influencer (under the name “EOD Happy Captain”). Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with CPT Villahermosa to discuss the life and community of EOD Soldiers, how his social media prowess has helped out his fellow Soldiers, and how a gift of hot honey made everyone at his base laugh.   Guest: CPT Michael Villahermosa, U.S Army, EOD Happy Captain   Central Michigan General and Flag Officer Event Links: General and Flag Officer Leadership Symposium Webpage: https://go.cmualum.com/GOFOPanel25   General and Flag Officer Leadership Symposium Livestream Link: https://chipcast.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=fdee1ca5-880d-4121-931b-b32f00fae0b9   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA's Army Matters podcast! AUSA's Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA's educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA's Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

Get ready for an explosive episode of the Mike Drop podcast, where we dive into the gritty, unfiltered life of Chief Special Warfare Operator Kevin Kent. With over two decades in the SEAL teams, Kevin's story is a rollercoaster of high-stakes missions, near-death experiences, and lessons learned the hard way. From dodging tracers in the chaotic streets of Iraq during the 2003 deployment to navigating the wild aftermath of liberty incidents, Kevin's journey is a raw testament to the resilience and grit it takes to thrive in the world's most elite fighting force. His tales of camaraderie, chaos, and personal growth will pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. This episode isn't just about war stories—it's about the man behind the trident. Kevin opens up about his roots as an Army brat, growing up in Tennessee with a disciplined EOD father who shaped his path to the SEALs. He shares the pivotal moments that drove him to push past doubt and physical limits, from a regret-fueled high school football exit to grueling factory jobs that prepped him for BUD/S. With humor and candor, Kevin reflects on the mishaps—like a bar brawl in Albuquerque that nearly derailed his career—and the triumphs that defined his 20-year tenure. Whether it's serving high-risk warrants in New Mexico or mentoring actors in Hollywood, his multifaceted life as a SEAL, comedian, stuntman, and podcast co-host shines through. Buckle up as we explore the chaos, courage, and clarity of Kevin Kent's remarkable journey. From the battlefield to the big screen, he's lived a life most can only imagine, and he's here to share the unvarnished truth. Whether you're drawn to the adrenaline of combat, the brotherhood of the teams, or the unexpected turns of a SEAL's career, this episode delivers it all with the raw intensity you expect from Mike Drop. Don't miss this deep dive into a warrior's world, where every story is a lesson, and every lesson is hard-earned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textPeaches is back with your Labor Day hangover cure — the September 2nd Daily Drop. We're talking Special Warfare assessment, why everything in training actually ties back to the mission, and yes, why your hips are going to explode if you show up to Nashville's Operator Training Summit.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Special Warfare assessment & “attributes-based selection” explained 02:00 – Fitness shoutout: 18 Alpha Fitness & prep partners 03:00 – Pentagon forms Counter-Drone Task Force 04:10 – Hendersonville PD honored with Freedom Award 04:45 – Nashville OTS details & why your hips are doomed 05:30 – Guard helps D.C. with security & beautification 06:20 – EOD robots finally get depth perception 07:00 – GPS denial & alternative navigation testing 07:45 – Air Force tests Collaborative Combat Aircraft 08:15 – Gen. Fuge Epperson takes over Warfare Center 09:00 – Mass casualty exercise in Japan 09:30 – Northern Edge 2025 wraps up in Alaska 10:00 – Space Force first officer training class graduates 10:40 – SpaceWorks hyperspace challenge opens to innovators 11:20 – Pentagon halts China-based involvement in cloud 12:00 – Army heat stress research & summer “heat cats” dropping 12:45 – Wrap-up & shameless Ones Ready plug

Send us a textThink active duty is the only path? Derrick Blake would like a word—preferably during his 3-day weekend. From almost joining the Marines to wrenching on A-10s and recruiting for the 193rd Special Operations Wing, Derrick walks us through how the Air National Guard let him stay home, stack checks, and still deploy to undisclosed sandbox locations. Oh, and did we mention you start getting paid before basic? Yeah. This one's going to ruffle some feathers—and we love it.We talk Guard myths vs. facts, how student flight is the low-key cheat code, and why most people have no damn clue what the Guard even is. If you're trying to join TACP or EOD through the Guard and haven't hit up Derrick yet, what are you even doing?

Join us on Dark Outdoors® for an unforgettable conversation with Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Mike R. Vining—explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) pioneer and Delta Force operative—and his wife, acclaimed wildlife photographer and author Donna Ikenberry. Married atop Mauna Kea in 1999 after Mike's decorated 30‑year military career (including Vietnam, Eagle Claw, Desert Storm, and more) Donna has since published over a thousand images, guidebooks, and magazine articles from nearly every continent Donna Ikenberry Photography.  In this episode we explore: Top strategies for staying safe in remote terrains—from avalanche zones to wildlife territory. How Donna approaches storytelling through photography in unpredictable environments. Lessons Mike has learned from decades of military and outdoor leadership: situational awareness, risk assessment, and self-reliance. Tips for adventure couples: teamwork, planning, resilience—and capturing moments worth preserving. Tune in for a uniquely dynamic pairing: military precision meets nature's art—illuminated by humor, hard-earned wisdom, and couple‑led courage in the wild.    

No Sight, No Sound, No Surrender: The Aaron Hale Story This week's Team Never Quit episode features the incredible Aaron Hale—a man who has stared down adversity, twice over, and answered with resilience, grit, and chocolate. A 14-year military veteran of both the Navy and Army, Aaron was serving his second deployment in Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team Leader when an IED explosion took his sight and altered the course of his life. But Aaron didn't stop moving forward—he started climbing. Aaron shares how he turned tragedy into testimony, going from the battlefield to building a life filled with purpose. From teaching at the EOD school post-injury to completing the Boston Marathon and climbing mountains, Aaron's journey is one of extreme perseverance. In 2015, another blow—bacterial meningitis—left him completely deaf, but with cochlear implants, the support of his incredible wife McKayla, and a “Challenge Accepted” mindset, Aaron continues to thrive. We also dive into Aaron and McKayla's passion project turned thriving business—Extra Ordinary Delights, an artisan chocolate and fudge company born out of love, grit, and a relentless pursuit of joy.  Aaron Hale doesn't just inspire—he challenges all of us to rise, to reinvent, and to find joy even in the most unexpected places. From bombs to bonbons, his life is a powerful reminder that adversity is not the end of the story—it's the beginning of a better one. In This Episode You Will Hear: •  I became one of the personal chefs for the 3-star Admiral, commander to the 6th fleet (1:10) •  I wanted to be in a tight knit brotherhood. I wanted a technically challenging career field.  (14:40) •  Being that evidence collector guy that I wanted to be, I made my approach with a metal detector. 20 yards or so from the primary device was a secondary device that hadn't been found yet. It vaulted me into the air. I reached up to fix my helmet and it was gone. And I thought “Oh, no - this is bad”. At Walter Reed, I was told I'd be blind for the rest of my life. (28:05)  •  Total blindness comes with a bonus gift of sleep disorder. You can't rest you circadian rhythm. (30:50) •  I had those demons in my head asking the What if's; the Why me's. (31:37) •  I don't have a monopoly on pain. (33:36) •  I don't have any good answers, any good reasons to quit (33:43) •   Instead of “Why me? or “I can't” I just try to figure out how I can. (34:00) •  For about 6 months, I learned how to be blind. (36:03) •  I'm having an awesome time. (38:59) •  I contracted Bacterial Meningitis. That came closer to killing me than the bomb had. (39:20) •  That's when I felt bad - when I was just thinking about myself (42:37) •  I might as well keep working hard to do hard things. (46:08) •  For ten years I've been running marathons and ultra marathons (46:30) •  Everything in my life is a team sport (49:49) •  You can look at it as “I have to” or “I get to” (50:16) •  Maybe one day, the story of your struggle might be the blueprint for someone else's survival (52:35) Support Aaron   - https://pointofimpactpod.com/ - Link tree: https://linktr.ee/aaronhalepointofimpact  Fb:  https://www.facebook.com/aclayhale IG: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ   - partnersinbuilding.com - Navyfederal.org        -    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s    -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Send us a textLet's get one thing straight—this ain't your typical Air Force hype-fest. Xavier Knapp went from "please God, not F-16s" to becoming the standout maintainer in Netflix's Thunderbirds documentary. In this episode, we pull the curtain all the way back on what it really means to be a top-tier wrench-turner in the Air Force. Xavier shares the unfiltered truth about failing out of EOD, getting slapped in the face (literally) by maintenance, and grinding through 120° days and freezing nights to keep jets flying. He breaks down the hard-earned pride of maintenance culture, the myth and reality of the Thunderbirds, and why tight uniforms and tighter standards actually matter. If you think being a Thunderbird is all glitz and no grit, this one's going to hurt your feelings. Let Xavier wreck your cynicism—and maybe inspire you to raise your own damn standards.

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textWelcome back to another episode where Peaches, Aaron, and a walking EOD war story—Charles Howell—drag you down memory lane... kicking and screaming. From nearly tattooing a crab on his chest before basic training to blowing up more IEDs than most people blow up relationships, Charles spills the entire chaotic tea of his two-decade detonation tour.We talk about how EODs were treated like the “red-headed stepchildren of CE,” the comedic incompetence of leadership during actual combat deployments, and the golden age of malicious compliance (spoiler: his commander got too many phone calls). Oh—and apparently, if you failed your first test at the schoolhouse? Congrats, there's a selfie of you somewhere making rounds at the EOD bar circuit.This episode has everything:A Marine getting trolled into oblivion over a lost fuseXbox Kinect motion sensors used to kill helicoptersPJ and EOD instructors emotionally scarring students (who definitely still remember)Sunlight on Peaches' nose ruining the episode's aestheticIf you're one of those parents asking questions for your kid at the recruiter's office—buckle up. Charles has thoughts. And no, you're not going to Deloitte, Karen. You're joining the military. Maybe.

Holding the Reins of Resilience – Michael Hall's Mission to Help Warriors Heal In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie meet with Michael Hall, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL from BUD/S Class 267 and the founder of Hold the Reins, a groundbreaking non-profit organization dedicated to equine-assisted wellness and coaching for special warfare operators. Michael shares his journey from the battlefield to the barn, explaining how his deep love of horses and his firsthand experience with the challenges of military life led him to create Hold the Reins. This program provides early intervention tools to help Navy SEALs, SWCC, and EOD teams develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication skills, and goal achievement—all through the incredible connection between humans and horses. With the unique pressures that come with a career in special operations, divorce and suicide rates remain devastatingly high among service members. Michael recognized this crisis and made it his mission to provide a lifeline—a safe space where warriors can regain control, reconnect, and find healing. Now, as he transitions into running Hold the Reins full-time as CEO and counselor, he's determined to give back to the community that shaped him. Tune in to hear Michael's inspiring story, the science behind equine therapy, and how his program is changing lives one ride at a time. In This Episode You Will Hear: • [My dad] asked me blankly one day, “What do you want to do?” It was just one of those things where I just spit out the first thing that my heart said, “I want to be a SEAL.” (8:43) • The Air Force recruiter looked at me, “Well, whatcha been up to since you graduated high school?” I didn't hold anything back. I just gave him anything. He was like, “There's no room for you in our Air Force.” (9:31) • [I saw] this recruiting commercial come on. Helicopters come over the horizon. It said, “We'll take you from high school to flight school.” So, I get in my truck and drove 150 miles to the recruiting office and joined the Navy. (15:41) • That why we started this thing, to help guys hit the pressure relief valve. (17:45) • The world's too slow. We're moving too fast on the inside, and we start trying to numb that down, and we do it in unproductive ways. • Our organization is called Hold the Reigns. We use horsemanship to teach guys how to emotionally regulate the present moment focus, and allow them to narrate their own story to us. (19:08) • Were the only organization, possibly in the nation that I know of, that's run by frogmen. (19:28) • I feel like God has created in me the way, or persona that's gonna be able to help guys. (23:23) • You can't team guy your way around horses. (26:24) • I've dealt with a lot of really dangerous horses and people made them that way. (43:18) • That's kind of a surprise thing we do – we put them in a really vulnerable situation, so you're no longer the hairy-chested, bullet-proof frogman. You're now just a little worried about your safety. (54:14) • A horse is completely honest. They do not know how to lie. (59:40) Socials: - Website: Holdthereins.org - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/holdthereins?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=77f57f3f-f76e-4374-bff3-5f37d6a085b1 - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:    - Navyfederal.org           - Robinhood.com/gold     - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ    - PXG.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Moink.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]   - Shhtape.com [TNQ]

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